Editor’s Note: Cisco retired the Cisco CCNA Collaboration certification and has not announced a direct replacement. The CCNA Collaboration certification was designed to validate skills and knowledge related to collaboration and video technologies in line with Cisco’s ecosystem. However, Cisco has since streamlined its certification offerings to focus on specific IT roles.
With the rise of the mobile workforce, the demand for collaboration skills and expertise has surged. The CCNA Collaboration certification served as the foundational step for mastering Cisco’s collaboration solutions. It catered to professionals seeking to specialize in Cisco’s collaboration tools, networks, and video technologies.
The Cisco CCNA Collaboration certification was typically associated with roles such as network video administrator, IP telephony (VoIP) engineer, IP network engineer, collaboration tools engineer, and communications engineer (voice, unified communications).
Over time, as technology evolved, Cisco restructured its certification offerings, making the CCNA Collaboration certification one of the many retired credentials, a part of a broader strategic shift to streamline its certifications around specific roles. With the growing importance of cloud technologies, automation, and networking security, Cisco refocused its offerings to address a wider range of emerging needs.
While the CCNA Collaboration certification is no longer available, professionals who were pursuing this certification can still pursue CCNP Collaboration for a more advanced career path or transition into other relevant certifications that focus on networking, automation, and security. Cisco also offers the DevNet Associate for those who want to explore software development and automation within Cisco ecosystems. With collaboration technologies continuing to evolve, obtaining the right certification ensures that you stay current and prepared for the future of enterprise communication systems.
Cisco Certified Networking Associate Collaboration (CCNA Collaboration) (Retired)
The Cisco Certified Networking Associate Collaboration (CCNA Collaboration) certification was designed for IT professionals focusing on IP telephony, video engineering, and networking. The CCNA Collaboration certification was vital in its era for networking professionals who wanted to pursue roles in IP telephony, video engineering, and collaboration solutions. Cisco’s collaboration technology ecosystem covers a broad range of tools and platforms, including Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), Cisco TelePresence, Cisco Jabber, and Cisco WebEx. Professionals certified in CCNA Collaboration were well-versed in these tools and could apply them to improve communication within enterprises, allowing for enhanced productivity and connectivity.
Key areas covered in the certification included configuring and troubleshooting Cisco collaboration devices, implementing collaboration endpoints such as IP phones and video systems, and ensuring the smooth integration of collaboration tools with IP networks. The certification provided foundational knowledge that allowed professionals to support businesses in their efforts to create seamless communication experiences, which are critical in today’s globalized, remote-working world.
Moreover, the CCNA Collaboration certification was often seen as a stepping stone for advanced certifications within Cisco’s collaboration portfolio, such as the CCNP Collaboration and CCIE Collaboration certifications. For many IT professionals, the CCNA Collaboration was an essential first step before advancing their careers in more specialized collaboration roles.
Despite its retirement, the CCNA Collaboration certification left a significant mark on the networking and IT collaboration domains. Many professionals who pursued this certification benefited from a deep understanding of networking technologies related to collaboration and unified communications, which are still integral to modern enterprises. Cisco’s restructuring of its certification paths into more specific roles ensures that the essential skills once validated by CCNA Collaboration are now integrated into new certification tracks, allowing professionals to continue building on their expertise in Cisco collaboration solutions.
It was a role-based certification aimed at validating a learner’s ability to meet the growing business demands in collaboration technologies.
The CCNA Collaboration certification consisted of two exams:
- Cisco CCNA Collaboration 210-060 CICD
- Cisco CCNA Collaboration 210-065 CIVND
This certification path evolved from Cisco’s Voice and Video certifications, which were also retired.
CCNA Collaboration Exam Details
The CCNA Collaboration certification was composed of two distinct exams, each focusing on different aspects of Cisco’s collaboration technologies. These exams were designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to deploy, configure, and troubleshoot collaboration solutions within a Cisco environment, ensuring they had the skills to support the growing demand for unified communication systems.
- Cisco CCNA Collaboration 210-060 CICD (Implementing Cisco Collaboration Devices)
This exam focused on collaboration devices, specifically covering the configuration and management of Cisco’s collaboration devices, such as IP phones, video endpoints, and collaboration endpoints used in unified communication solutions. It tested candidates’ knowledge in setting up and managing Cisco collaboration devices, ensuring that these devices could function seamlessly within an enterprise environment. Topics included implementing voice and video endpoints, managing dial plans, configuring voice gateways, and integrating devices into a unified communications solution. The goal was to ensure professionals understood how to set up and maintain these devices, ensuring the overall stability and reliability of the collaboration system. - Cisco CCNA Collaboration 210-065 CIVND (Implementing Cisco Video Network Devices)
The second exam of the CCNA Collaboration certification focused on the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of Cisco video network devices. Video conferencing and collaboration are critical in modern enterprise communications, and this exam ensured that professionals could configure and manage the necessary video devices, such as Cisco TelePresence systems and video conferencing units. Key areas of focus included troubleshooting video network devices, optimizing video quality, and implementing secure and reliable video communication solutions. Candidates were also tested on video conferencing protocols and network considerations to ensure that video communication systems performed optimally in diverse environments.
Both exams shared similar exam formats, consisting of multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop questions, simulations, and testlets. They were designed to assess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills. The exams were time-limited, with each providing 75 minutes for completion, and typically featured between 55-65 questions per exam. Cisco’s rigorous testing format aimed to ensure that candidates had the necessary skills to deploy and manage Cisco collaboration solutions in real-world scenarios.
Additionally, Cisco did not publicly disclose the passing score for the exams, which added an element of challenge for candidates, as they had to focus on mastering all exam objectives and testing their knowledge through comprehensive study and practice. The exams also included various question types such as multiple choice (single and multiple answers), fill-in-the-blank, and simulation-based questions, providing a well-rounded evaluation of a candidate’s skills and expertise.
To prepare for these exams, candidates often utilized Cisco practice tests, study guides, and Cisco dumps, which helped familiarize them with the exam format and improve their chances of success. These resources offered valuable insight into the types of questions to expect, ensuring that professionals could approach the exams with confidence and precision.
By passing both exams, candidates earned the Cisco CCNA Collaboration certification, validating their expertise in Cisco collaboration technologies and positioning them for roles such as collaboration engineer, network video administrator, and IP telephony engineer.
Many of the individual exams that made up the CCNA Collaboration certification shared the following details:
- Time Allotted: 75 minutes per exam
- Number of Questions: 55-65 questions per exam
- Passing Score: Cisco does not publish the passing score for its exams
- Question Types: Multiple choice (single and multiple answers), drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, simulation, testlet, and simlet questions.
- Exam Registration: Pearson VUE
- Exam Cost: $250 (USD) per exam
- Exam Topics:
- Implementing Cisco Collaboration Devices (210-060)
- Implementing Cisco Video Network Devices (210-065)
(Free resources available)
What Certification Should You Get Instead of the CCNA Collaboration?
Cisco’s restructuring of its certification program led to the retirement of several popular certifications, including the CCNA Cloud, CCNA Security, CCNA Service Provider, and CCNP Security. The new certification tracks include CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE, each focusing on specific roles and skills within the networking domain. With the CCNA Collaboration now retired, here are some alternatives:
- CCNA (General): While not collaboration-specific, the new CCNA certification provides a comprehensive foundation in networking, security, automation, and programmability. This serves as a stepping stone toward more specialized certifications like CCNP Collaboration. This certification remains one of the most widely recognized entry-level credentials in the IT industry. If you are new to networking or want to expand your general knowledge, the CCNA serves as a great starting point. By earning this certification, you can build a strong understanding of networking concepts such as routing, switching, and network security.
- CCNP Collaboration: Designed for collaboration and network engineers, this advanced certification focuses on skills needed to design, deploy, configure, and troubleshoot collaboration and unified communications applications, devices, and networks. If you want to continue your career in Cisco collaboration technologies, the CCNP Collaboration is the next logical step. Professionals earning this certification gain the skills to handle more complex collaboration environments and take on roles such as collaboration engineers, unified communications engineers, and collaboration solutions architects.
- Cisco DevNet Associate: This certification validates skills in application development and automation using Cisco platforms, APIs, and software development practices. While more advanced, it’s valuable for professionals looking to expand into software development within the Cisco ecosystem. While it doesn’t focus directly on collaboration technologies, it complements networking and collaboration knowledge by adding a software development layer. The ability to integrate, automate, and develop applications for Cisco’s networking and collaboration platforms is becoming increasingly valuable in today’s tech landscape, especially with the growing demand for automation and programmable networks.
- CCIE Collaboration
For those who have achieved extensive experience and are looking to go beyond the CCNP Collaboration, pursuing the CCIE Collaboration certification could be a long-term career goal. The CCIE Collaboration is one of Cisco’s highest-level certifications and is recognized as a premier credential in the industry. It covers advanced collaboration technologies, including voice, video, messaging, and mobility solutions, and requires professionals to demonstrate in-depth expertise in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex collaboration systems. While it’s a challenging certification to achieve, it offers a significant career boost for experts seeking senior-level positions in collaboration solutions. - Vendor-Specific Certifications (Non-Cisco)
If you are considering diversifying your expertise and exploring solutions from other vendors, there are several certifications available in the broader collaboration and unified communications space. For example, Microsoft Certified: Teams Administrator Associate and Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect offer certifications that cover the growing demand for collaboration solutions such as cloud-based communications and enterprise software tools. These certifications focus on cloud services, application architecture, and collaboration software that complement and sometimes compete with Cisco’s solutions. - Other Networking Certifications
In addition to Cisco’s offerings, you might also explore certifications in networking and security from other organizations. For example, the CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ certifications provide broad networking and security knowledge, respectively, while the Juniper Networks Certification program offers training for those interested in Juniper’s networking technologies. Additionally, certifications from organizations such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and VMware can offer an expanded skillset in cloud computing, network virtualization, and security technologies that are increasingly important in the modern IT environment.
Overall, Cisco’s restructuring of its certification offerings has provided more tailored, role-specific certifications for IT professionals. If your goal is to pursue a career in collaboration technologies, the CCNP Collaboration and CCIE Collaboration certifications remain the most direct paths to specialize in Cisco’s collaboration ecosystem. However, for those looking to broaden their career prospects, the CCNA and Cisco DevNet Associate certifications can provide foundational knowledge and enhance your overall technical skillset.
Cisco Recertification Process
Cisco certifications, including CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE, are a valuable way to demonstrate your expertise in networking and collaboration technologies.The recertification process ensures that individuals stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in Cisco technologies and maintain their proficiency in areas such as networking, security, collaboration, and automation. Here’s a closer look at the Cisco recertification process.
- Recertification Timeframe
Cisco certifications are valid for a period of three years from the date of certification. This timeframe applies to certifications like the CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE. Once this period is over, you need to recertify in order to keep your credentials valid. Cisco’s policy is to keep certifications current with the evolving technology landscape, ensuring professionals have the most up-to-date skills in the industry. - Methods of Recertification
Cisco offers several ways for professionals to recertify. The most common methods include:- Passing the Same Exam: To recertify, you can retake and pass the same exam that you initially took to earn your certification. This method ensures that you stay current with the specific skills and knowledge validated by the exam.
- Taking a Higher-Level Exam: For example, if you hold a CCNA certification, you can pass a more advanced exam, such as the CCNP exam, to recertify your CCNA certification. This method is often preferred by professionals looking to expand their expertise and progress in their careers.
- Professional Concentration Exams: Cisco provides specialized exams in various technologies, such as security, automation, or collaboration. Passing a professional concentration exam in your field of expertise can help recertify your current Cisco certification.
- Cisco Certified Specialist Exams: Some specific Cisco Specialist exams are designed to validate expertise in a particular area, such as security, cloud, or collaboration. By passing these exams, professionals can recertify their current certification and deepen their specialization.
- Continuing Education Credits
Cisco offers a more flexible approach for recertification through its Continuing Education (CE) program. The CE program allows professionals to earn credits by participating in training courses, workshops, or online courses provided by Cisco or authorized learning partners. These credits can be applied toward recertification, reducing the need to retake exams. This option is a great way for professionals to stay updated with Cisco’s ever-evolving technologies without needing to sit for exams every three years. The CE program is particularly useful for professionals with a busy schedule or those looking for a broader learning experience rather than just preparing for exams. - Recertification for Higher-Level Certifications
For those who hold CCNP or CCIE certifications, the recertification process can be slightly more involved. Higher-level certifications typically require additional exams or more significant professional development, and Cisco encourages advanced professionals to stay at the cutting edge of their respective technologies. For example, CCIE certification holders are required to pass the CCIE written exam or a CCIE Lab exam every two years to keep their certification valid. - Grace Period
Cisco offers a grace period after the expiration of your certification. Typically, this grace period lasts for six months, during which time you can recertify and maintain your certification without losing it. However, if you do not recertify within this period, your certification status will be considered expired, and you will lose the benefits of being certified. - The Importance of Recertification
Staying current with Cisco certifications is important for maintaining career relevance and advancement. As Cisco continuously updates its technology, new features, and product offerings, it’s crucial for professionals to keep pace with these changes to remain competitive in the job market. Recertification also provides an opportunity to enhance your skills in emerging areas like network automation, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions, making you more versatile in your career.
In summary, the Cisco recertification process is designed to ensure that professionals remain knowledgeable about Cisco technologies and maintain high levels of competency. Whether through passing exams, gaining Continuing Education credits, or taking professional concentration exams, recertification keeps your credentials valid and reflects your commitment to professional development. As the IT industry continues to evolve, the recertification process is vital in helping you stay ahead in a competitive field.
Cisco associate-level certifications, including CCNA and CCNP Collaboration, remain valid for three years. To recertify, learners must pass the same exam, a professional concentration exam, or any Cisco Certified Specialist Exam. In some cases, continuing education credits can be combined with an exam for recertification.
The Next Step
Many who earned the CCNA Collaboration certification move forward to advance their careers within collaboration specializations. Most opt for the CCNP Collaboration certification, which includes two exams:
- A core CCNP Collaboration exam
- One of four CCNP Collaboration concentration exams
Some may continue their journey by pursuing the CCIE Collaboration certification, a more advanced credential for experts. While CBT Nuggets does not offer training for the CCNP or CCIE Collaboration exams, these certifications are still available through Cisco.
Others may choose to diversify their expertise by pursuing certifications outside the Cisco ecosystem, such as:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: One exam to validate cloud architecture skills.
- VMware Cloud: Various paths depending on existing VMware certifications.
Concluding Thoughts
As the workplace evolves, collaboration technologies remain essential for day-to-day operations. Acquiring the skills and knowledge to support these technologies makes you an in-demand IT professional. If you’re preparing for any Cisco certifications or exams, using resources like Cisco practice tests, Cisco dumps, and Cisco exam guides can significantly enhance your preparation. Whether you’re pursuing a Cisco certification for career advancement or expanding your skill set in collaboration technologies, these certifications ensure you’re equipped for success in a rapidly changing tech landscape. The Cisco Recertification Process is an essential part of maintaining the value of these certifications. By requiring recertification every few years, Cisco ensures that certified professionals remain up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and industry best practices. Whether through re-taking exams, pursuing higher-level certifications like CCNP, or participating in Cisco’s Continuing Education Program, professionals can maintain the validity of their credentials and demonstrate their commitment to continuous learning.
For those who once pursued the CCNA Collaboration certification, there are still plenty of opportunities to advance their careers in collaboration technologies, whether by pursuing the CCNP Collaboration, gaining expertise in related certifications such as Cisco DevNet Associate, or expanding knowledge into cloud or security technologies. As collaboration tools and unified communications become increasingly integral to modern workplaces, the need for professionals with specialized expertise in this area is only expected to grow. Therefore, transitioning into roles that focus on collaboration and unified communications remains a smart career move.
Ultimately, Cisco’s certifications are not just about passing exams; they represent a commitment to excellence, continuous professional development, and the ability to keep up with technological advancements. Whether you are a seasoned professional looking to deepen your expertise or a newcomer seeking to build a solid foundation, pursuing and maintaining Cisco certifications will help you stay competitive in the rapidly changing tech industry. With the right certifications, training, and experience, you’ll be prepared to take on new challenges, adapt to emerging technologies, and advance your career in the world of networking and IT.
